A friction-type exercising device

ABSTRACT

An improved exercising device whereby the person exercises by pulling a rope means extended generally over and between upper and lower pulley wheels. The exercising device is provided with an adjustable friction brake, whereby the amount of pulling force required to overcome the friction may be varied, as well as guide means, whereby the rope means is retained in contact with the pulley wheels and in the proper operational path throughout the use of the exercising device. The operations of lifting and pulling may be aided by an adjustable, pivoted hand grip member movably disposed along the rope means for selected affixture.

i United States Patent [113,599,974

[72] Inventor David D. Price 2,183,265 12/1939 Maloney 272/79 3400Harvey Parkway, Oklahoma City, 2,300,374 10/ 1942 Turner 254/188 Okla.73103 2,343,892 2/1944 Dodge et a1 273/DIG. 6 [21] Appl. No. 783,0373,112,816 12/1963 Halford 254/188 X [221 Filed Dec. 11,1968 3,156,46511/1964 Jacobi 272/79 [45) Patented Aug. 17, 1971 3,262,697 7/1966Krinke 271/33 Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham 54 I FRICTION-FYI);EXERCIS'ING DEWCE I Aizvixlrml l'lmruIm-r William R. Browne 11 Claims 7Drawlng Figs Alturney-Dunlap, Laney & Hessln [52] [1.8. CL... 272/79 R,

3 ABSTRACT: An improved exercising device whereby the per- 1 In. sonexercises a rope means extended generally over A63b 21/20 and betweenupper and lower pulley wheels. The exercising [50] Field 01 Search272/79, 80, i e-i id d i h an dju table friction brake, whereby 83;242/156 155, 99;57/113;254/188, the amount of pulling force required toovercome the friction 189273/D1G- 64 271/33 may be varied, as well asguide means, whereby the rope means is retained in contact with thepulley wheels and in the [56] References Cited proper operational paththroughout the use of the exercising UNITED STATES PATENTS device. Theoperations of lifting and pulling may be aided by 1,572,281 2/ 1926Fry... I 272/79 an adjustable, pivoted hand grip member movably disposed1,868,262 v 7/1 93 2 taley 272/79 along the rope means for selectedaffixture.

A FRICTION-TYPE EXERCISING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Fieldof the Invention This invention relates generally to improvements inexercising devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation,to an improved exercising device whereby the individual exercises bypulling a rope means.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various exercising devices have beendesigned in the past employing a rope and pulley arrangement, whereinthe general idea was that the person would exercise by pulling the ropeagainst some force. One such device included a rope extended over asingle pulley and a series of weights attached to one end of the rope.The individual would simply pull the rope against the opposite force ofthe weights. The variety'of exercises which could be performed usingthis device were limited, and the individual was required to keep amultitude of weights of various sizes on hand to change the requirementsof the unit. To be operable, this exercising device had to bepermanently affixed to a wall or some other solid stationary structure.

One other such device included a rope extended over a single pulley, anda leather braking device, whereby the force required to rotate thepulley was adjustable to some extent. This particular device, althoughvery useful for doing certain exercises, was limited in that theindividual could only exercise by pulling in a downward direction on therope, and the device had to be permanently affixed to a wall or someother solid stationary structure. It is apparent from the foregoing thatthis device utilized the downward pull of the individual to maintain thenecessary frictional contact between the rope and the pulley wheel.

It is apparent that the exercising devices in the past have been limitedin their application to a narrow range of specific types of exercises,and generally have not been both mobile and adjustable to meet theexercising needsof a variety of different users.

The problems encountered in designing an exercising device, wherein theindividual could exercise by pulling a rope means in either an upward ordownward direction, and wherein the pulling force required wasadjustable over a wide range, have been many. Some of the problemsincluded; designing the proper combination of guide means to keep therope means in the proper operational path and yet allow some flexiblemovement of the rope means in a lateral direction to ac commodate theindividual exercising, and to design a proper supporting structurewhereby the exercising device was both mobile and structurally sound.Other problems which exist are, of course, obvious from the foregoing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates unexercising device comprising upper and lower pulley wheels. A continuousrope means is extended around the pulley wheels to define an operationalpath. An adjustable brake means cooperates with one of the pulleywheels, whereby the force required to rotate the pulley wheel isadjustable. The exercising device employs appropriate guide means,whereby the rope means is retained within the operational path. Theguide means includes a guide bracket encircling a portion of the upperpulley wheel and the rope means and a guide eyelet encircling the ropemeans, disposed with respect to the lower pulley wheel, to guide therope means into proper engagement with the lower pulley wheel.

One object of the invention is to provide a single exercising devicewhich is adjustable to meet a variety of different exercisingrequirements.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercising device whichmay be effectively used by persons of different ages and different bodybuilds.

A further object of the invention is to provide an exercising deviceemploying a rope means wherein the individual may exercise by eitherpulling or lifting in an upward or downward direction, in a mannersimilar to a rope pulling and rope climbing exercise using ahandover-hand technique.

One further object of the invention is to provide an exercising devicewith appropriate and adequate guide means to retain the rope meanswithin the operational path.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an exercisingdevice with an adjustable brake means which requires different forces topull the rope.

Another object of the invention'is to provide an exercising device whichis both structurally sound and yet mobile.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercising devicehaving a special grip assembly, which may be used for lifting andoverhead pressing exercises.

One other object of the invention is to provide an exercising devicewhich is economical in construction and operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from thefollowing detailed description. When read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of theexercising device.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the exercising device taken substantiallyalong lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged'partial side elevation of the lower pulleyassembly of the exercising device, taken substantially along lines 3-3of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial front elevation of the lower pulleyassembly of the exercising device, taken substantially along lines 4-4of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial top elevation of the lower pulley assemblyof the exercising device, taken substantially along lines 5-5 of'FIG. 4.

'FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial top elevation of the upper pulleyassembly of the exercising device taken substantially along lines 6-6 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevation of the grip assembly whichmay be used with the exercising device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings indetail, and particularly to FIG. 1, reference character 10 generallydesignates an exercising device constructed in accordance with theinvention. The exercising device 10 generally comprises: a base 12; apair of framework assemblies 14, mounted on the base 12 and secured toeach other; an upper pulley assembly 16 mounted between the frameworkassemblies 14 and disposed generally nearthe top of said frameworkassemblies 14; a lower pulley assembly 18 mounted on the base 12 anddisposed generally between the framework assemblies I4; a continuousrope means 20 extending between the upper and lower pulley assemblies l6and I8 respectively; and a grip assembly 21 which may be secured aboutthe rope means 20, when the exercising device is used for lifting oroverhead press exercising.

The base. 12, having beveled corners 22 and 24 (FIG. 5), is provided tosupport the exercising device 10. The corners 22 and 24, are beveled onapproximately a 45 degree angle to eliminate the safety hazard inherentwith sharp corners. The corners 24 are beveled over a longer length thanthe corners 22 to facilitate the installation or storage of theexercising device 10 in the corner of a room. It is obvious that themounting of the various components of the exercising device 10 on thebase 10 lends a mobility to the exercising device 10. It is alsoapparent, and will become more apparent hereinafter, that the base 12could be eliminated and the various components of the exercising device10 could be permanently installed in a particular location.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the framework assemblies 14 are generally ofa triangular shape, having sides 26, 28 and 30 thereon. A plurality ofrungs 32 are provided between and connected to the sides 26 and 28,respectively, to provide additional structural support to the frameworkassemblies 14. The framework assemblies 14 are attached to the base 12of exercising device by means of bolts 34, shown in FIG. 5, which extendthrough the sides 30 of framework assemblies 14 and the base 12. Thesides 26 and 28, and the rungs 32, may be constructed from a rod or pipeof any appropriate material which will give the desired strengthcharacteristics. One of the reasons for the particular shape andpositioning of the framework assemblies 14 with respect to the base 12and the other components (to be described in detail hereinafter) of theexercising device 10 is to prevent the framework assemblies, and moreparticularly the side 28 thereof from interfering with the individualshead, arms, and hands during the operation of the exercising device 10,as will be made more apparent hereinafter.

Generally near the top of framework assemblies 14, the sides 26 and 28thereof are formed on approximately a 90 bend 36 (shown in FIG. 1) andextended'generally parallel to the base 12 of exercising device 10. Thesides 26 and 28 terminate at their ends 38 and 40, respectively, and aresecured to each other near the said ends 38 and 40.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pair of framework assemblies 14 arespaced a distance apart and disposed at an angle with respect to eachother. The angular disposition of the framework assemblies 14 isprovided to give additional structural support to the frameworkassemblies 14 and to facilitate the corner mounting or storage,previously mentioned, of the exercising device 10. The exact angle woulddepend on the particular size of the exercising device 10. As moreclearly shown in FIG. 2, the pair of framework assemblies 14 arestructurally secured to each other by means of brackets 42.

Although each framework assembly 14 of exercising device 10 is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 to be of a one piece construction, it is obvious that eachframework assembly 14 could be constructed in sections to facilitatedismantling for storage or shipment of the exercising device 10.

As clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the upper pulley assembly 16 isdisposed relatively between the pair of framework assemblies 14 and isapproximately centered with respect to the end points 38 and 40 of sides26 and 28, respectively. The upper pulley assembly 16 includes an upperpulley wheel 42, having a groove 44 formed around the outer peripherythereof, and a shaft 46 extending therethrough, which is sized andfinished to allow free rotation of upper pulley wheel 42 thereabout.

The shaft 46 of upper pulley wheel 42 is extended through, and supportedby a shaft support 48 and is secured thereto by means of nuts 50. Theshaft support 48 of upper pulley assembly 16 is secured to the sides 26and 28 of framework assemblies 14, near the respective end points 38 and40 thereof. A s more clearly shown in FIG. 6, the shaft support 48includes a guide bracket portion 52 which extends beyond and around theouter periphery of upper pulley wheel 42. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, thelower edge of the guide bracket 52, generally. adjacent the rope meansis beveled or flared in a generally outwardly direction with respect tothe upper pulley wheel 142, to accommodate the rope means 20 during theoperation of the exercising device 10, as will be explained in detailhereinafter.

The lower pulley assembly 18, which is mounted on the base 12 ofexercising device 10, is disposed generally in alignment with and belowthe upper pulley assembly 16. As more clearly shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5,the lower pulley assembly 18 includes a lower pulley wheel 54 which isdesigned similar to upper pulley wheel 42 of upper pulley assembly 16,having a groove 56 formed around the outer periphery thereof and a shaft58 which extends therethrough, said shaft 58 being sized and finished toallow free rotation of lower pulley wheel 54 thereabout. In a preferredform, a thin film of frictional material, such as a rubberlike orplastic material is bonded to the surface of groove 56 of lower pulleywheel 54, or in the alternative the entire lower pulley wheel or aportion thereof is constructed of such material for reasons to be mademore apparent hereinafter. The diameter of the pulley wheel 54 of lowerpulley assembly 18, as more clearly shown in FIG. 1, is greater than thediameter of pulley wheel 42 of upper pulley assembly 16.

A continuous rope means 20 is extended over and between the upper andlower pulley wheels 42 and 54 of upper and lower pulley assemblies 16and 18, respectively. More particularly, the rope means 20 is disposedin a portion of the grooves 44 and 56 of upper and lower pulley wheels42 and 54, respectively. In a preferred form, the rope means 20 is sizedto be approximately twice the depth of said grooves 44 and 56 and isconstructed of a tube of plastic hoselike material having a relativelyflexible characteristic, the purpose for which to be described morefully hereinafter. The exact diameter of the rope means 20 would depend,to some extent, on the size of the particular exercising device beingconstructed. It is also apparent from FIG. 6 that the rope means 20 isdisposed with respect to the guide bracket 52 of upper pulley assembly16 to be encompassed by said guide bracket 52 for reasons which willbecome more apparent hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulleyassembly 18 is disposed relatively between two support structures 60 ofa generally rectangular shape, having opposite ends 62 and 64,respectively, and upper and lower sides 66 and 68, respectively. Thesupport structures 60 of lower pulley assembly 18 are firmly secured tothe base 12 by means of bolts 70.

Two parallel support members 72, forming a part of each supportstructure 60, are centrally disposed between opposite ends 62 and 64 andconnect the upper and lower sides 66 and 68 of the respective support60. A shaft support 74 is connected between and supported by theparallel support mem-. bers 72 of each support structure 62. The shaft58 of lower pulley wheel 54 extends through the shaft supports 74 oflower pulley assembly 18 and is secured thereto by means of nuts 76.

An adjustable brake assembly 78 is disposed relatively between theparallel support members 72 and near the upper side 66 of structure 60.The brake assembly 78 includes a pair of end plates 80, one on each sideof pulley 54 The lower portion 82 of each end plate 80 is of a generallyhollow cylindrical shape. A shaft 84 is extended through the hollowlower portion 82 of each end plate 80 and through the respectiveparallel support members 72, thereby affixing the end plates 80 to thestructures 60 in a manner which allows the end plates 80 to rotate aboutthe axes of shafts 84 for reasons which will become apparenthereinafter. The shafts 84 of each end plate 80 is secured in positionto the respective support members 72 by nuts 86.

A metal brake shoe 88 is secured to the inside portion of each end plate80 by means of bolts 90, which extend through mating holes in the endplate 80. In one form of the invention and as shown more clearly in FIG.5, a compression spring 90 surrounds each bolt 90 and is disposedbetween the end plate 80 and the brake shoe 88. It will become apparentin the discussion hereinafter that the compression spring 91 could bereplaced with spacer washers if desired. A brake pad 92, of asbestos orother appropriate material, is bonded to the inside portion of eachbrake shoe 88. As more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the brake pads 92 ofadjustable brake assembly 78 are designed and positioned to brakinglycontact the opposite sides of lower pulley wheel 54 of the lower pulleyassembly 18. A threaded bolt 94 having a handle 96 in one end thereof,extends through end plates 80 of adjustable brake assembly 78, andthreadedly engages one of the end plates 80 opposite the handle end ofbolt 94.

It is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5, that when the handle 96 of adjustablebrake assembly 78 is turned, the end plates 80 thereof will rotate aboutthe shaft 84 in a direction 98 or 100 depending upon whether the handle96 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction respectively.When the handle 96 is turned in a clockwise direction, thus rotating theend plate 80 in a direction 98, it is apparent that the frictionalcontact between the brake pad 92 of brake assembly 78 and the lowerpulley wheel 54 of lower pulley assembly 18 will increase. This increasein frictional contact will, of course, result in a greater amount ofcentrifugal force being required to rotate lower pulley wheel 54 oflower pulley assembly 18. The compression springs 91 will continuallybias the brake shoes 88 and brake pads 92 toward the lower pulley wheel54 of lower pulley assembly 18, thereby permitting a finer control ofthe amount of frictional contact obtained by turning the handle 96 ofadjustable brake assembly 78.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, a guide eyelet 102 is secured to theupper side 66 of structures 60 and generally near the end 62 thereof.The guide eyelet 102 is provided with an aperture 104 and having aninner diameter which is sized to be slightly larger than the outerdiameter of rope means 20. As more clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, theupper portion of the guide eyelet 102, generally adjacent the aperture104, is beveled or flared in a generally outwardly direction withrespect to the aperture 104, to accommodate the rope means 20, whichextends through the aperture 104, during the operation of the exercisingdevice 'as will be described in detail hereinafter. v

A roller support 106, shown more clearly in FIG. 3, is secured to eachend 62 and 64 of the support structure 60 and is disposed generallybetween the upper and lower sides 66 and 68 thereof. A guide roller 108,shown more clearly in FIG. 5, having a shaft 110 extending therethroughis disposed relatively between each pair of roller supports 106 and issecured thereto by means of nuts 11 1. The guide roller 108 is providedwith a groove or track 112, which is sized to provide a rolling fit withthe outer periphery of rope means 20. As shown more clearly in FIG. 1,the rollers 108 are shown disposed, with respect to the rope means andthe lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulley wheel 54, such that therollers 108 will bias the rope means 20 toward the lower pulley wheel 54and generally hold the rope means 20 within the groove 56 of the lowerpulley wheel'54, thereby keeping the rope means 20 from slippingtherein.

The grip assembly 21, as shown more clearly in FIG. 7, basicallycomprises a pair of gripping members 120 and a pair of handles 122. Oneof the pair of handles 122 is secured to each of the gripping members120 respectively. Each of the gripping members 120 is provided with anupper and'lower portion 124 and 126, respectively, which are connectedto each other on one side portion thereof by a connecting portion 128.The inner periphery of each of the upper and lower portions 124 and 126is sized to matingly fit a portion of the outer periphery of the ropemeans 20. In a preferred form, each upper and lower portion 124 and 126is provided to have a generally cylindrical shape to mate with the ropemeans 20, which in a preferred form is provided to have a generallycircular cross section. A plurality of grooves (not shown) are providedencompassing a portion of the inner periphery of the upper and lowerportions 124 and 126, adjacent the rope means 20. The grooves areprovided to substantially reduce the slippage, which may occur betweenthe grip assembly 21 and the rope means 20. The upper andlower portions124 and v I 126, respectively are disposed with respect to each other,such that in an assembled position, as clearly shown in FIG. 7 theportions 124 and 126 will engage generally opposite side portions of therope means 20.

The gripping members 120, and more particularly each connecting member128 thereof, are pivotally secured to each other by a fastener 130.Therefore in an assembled position, the upper portion 124 of eachgripping member 120 is generally disposed on opposite side portions ofthe rope means 20, with respect to each other, and the lower portion 126of each gripping member 120 is disposed on opposite side portions of therope means 20, with respect to each other, for reasons which will bemade more apparent hereinafter.

Each handle 122 is shown in FIG. 7 to be secured to the upper portion124 of each gripping member 120 respectively, and extending generallyperpendicular thereto. In a preferred form, each handle 122 shouldextend from each gripping member 120, a sufficient distance so that whenan individual is performing a lifting or overhead pressing exercise,using the exercising device 10, he may grip each handle 122 withoutinterference from his knees, as will be described hereinafter.

A spring 132 is secured on opposite ends thereof to a post 134, which isprovided on each lower portion 126 of each gripping member 120. Thespring 132 is so disposed and sized to bias each gripping member intoengagement with the rope means 20, for reasons to be made more apparenthereinafter.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The exercising device 10, in apreferred form, is designed to be used by a person standing generally infront of the exercising device 10, near end 62 of support structure 60.In one form, to exercise, the individual would grasp the rope means 20and pull or lift the rope means 20, generally in the upward or downwarddirection, in a manner similar to a rope climbing or rope liftingexercise using a hand-over-hand technique, depending upon the area ofthe body one desires to exercise.

It is apparent, that during the operation of the exercising device 10,as described above, the rope means 20 will be continually moving aroundand between the upper and lower pulley wheels 42 and 54 of upper andlower pulley assemblies 16 and 18, respectively, thereby establishingthe general operational path of the rope means 20. The rope means 20 hasan overall length, which slightly exceeds the length of the operationalpath, to provide some flexible movement of the rope means 20 in thegenerally lateral direction. The rope means, in a preferred form, isconstructed from a plastic hoselike material, which is relativelyflexible and can be stretched to some extent. It is apparent, that thismovement in the lateral direction combined with the flexibility of therope means 20, permits the person using the exercising device 10, topull or lift the rope means 20 directly upward without interference fromthe rope means 20. It is obvious, also, from the foregoing that therewill exist pulling forces in direction, other than directly tangent tothe upper and lower pulley wheels 42 and 54 of upper and lower pulleyassemblies 16 and 18 respectively. It is therefore, important thatadequate guide means are employed to retain the rope means 20 in aproper track or operational path.

The rope means 20 of exercising device 10 is retained within the properoperational path by means of guide brackets 52 of upper pulley assembly16 guide eyelet 102 and guide rollers 108 of lower pulley assembly 18.

The guide bracket 52 (shown in FIG. 6) of upper pulley assembly 16 isprovided to retain the rope means 20 within groove 44 of upper pulleywheel 42 in a manner, such that the rope means 20 will not be pulled outof said groove 44 during the operation of the exercising device 10.

The guide eyelet 102 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5) of lower pulleyassembly 18 is designed and located to guide the rope means 20 into thegroove 56 of lower pulley wheel 54.

The guide rollers 108 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5) of lower pulleyassembly 18 are provided and disposed to maintain a constant frictionalcontact between the rope means 20 and the groove 56 of lower pulleywheel 54. Since the diameter of the rope means is sized to be twice thedepth of groove 56 of lower pulley wheel 54, a portion of the rope means20 will extend beyond the outer periphery of said lower pulley wheel 54,thereby allowing the guide rollers 108 to contact the rope means 20without interference from the lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulleyassembly 18. The guide rollers 108 of lower pulley assembly 18 functionto retain the rope means 20 in frictional contact with the groove 56 oflower pulley wheel 54 to prevent slippage between the rope means 20 andthe lower pulley wheel 54.

The thin film of rubberlike or plastic frictional material, which isbonded to the surfaces of groove 56 ofthe lower pulley wheel 54, resultsin an increased frictional contact being established between the ropemeans 20 and said groove 56, thereby eliminating most of the slippagebetween the rope means 20 and the lower pulley wheel 54 which mightoccur during the operation of the exercising device 10. The particulartype of frictional material used would depend, to some extent, on thetype of material used to construct the rope means 20, for example, whenthe rope means 20 is constructed from a tube of plastic hoselikematerial, the frictional material would be a plasticlike or rubberlikematerial. Of course as described hereinbefore, the entire lower pulleywheel 54 or a portion thereof could be constructed of such material,thereby accomplishing the same purpose and yet eliminating the need forbonding such material to the lower pulley wheel 54.

The centrifugal force required to rotate lower pulley wheel 54 of lowerpulley assembly 18, or in other words the amount of pulling forcerequired to move the rope means 20, may be increased or decreased byturning the handle 96 of adjustable brake assembly 78, in a mannerpreviously described. The lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulley assembly18 is provided, having a diameter larger than the diameter of upperpulley wheel 42 of upper pulley assembly 16, to accommodate theadjustable brake assembly 78 and to increase the efficiency of saidadjustable brake assembly 78 by providing an increased area offrictional contact. The pulling pressure may therefore be adjusted tofit the size, strength, and age requirements of the particular personusing the exercising device 10.

it is also apparent from the foregoing that the brake assembly 78 may beadjusted to a position, whereby further rotation of the lower pulleywheel 54 of lower pulley assembly 18 is prevented. In this position ofthe brake assembly 78, the exercising device 10 may be used effectivelyby an individual desiring to practice, what is commonly referred to asisometric exercises.

The grip assembly 21 may be used in performing a lifting or pullingexercise, using the exercising device 10; however, it is particularlyuseful when performing the lifting exercise. The grip assembly 21 isattached to the rope means 20 by forcing each handle 122 in a generaldirection 136, as shown in FIG. 7. Since the gripping members 120 arepivotally secured to each other, this movement of each handle 122 in adirection 136 will cause the upper and lower portions 124 and 126 ofeach gripping member 120 to move in the general directions 138, 140,142, and 144 respectively. It is apparent that this movement of eachgripping member 120 will spread the gripping member 120 a distanceapart, thereby providing a sufficient gap between them so that the gripassembly 21 may be disposed on a rope means 20. When the force isremoved from each handle 122, the spring 132 will bias each grippingmember 120 back into engagement with the rope means 20. Of course thegrip assembly 21 may be quickly and easily disengaged from the ropemeans 20, in a manner similar to that described hereinabove.

exercise, the individual would grasp each handle 122 simultaneously andlift or pull on said handle 122, thereby lifting or pulling the ropemeans 20. In particular, when performing the lifting exercise, theindividual would grasp each handle 122, and lift in a generally upwarddirection. Since each handle is extended a distance in a generallyperpendicular direction from the rope means 20 the individual's arms andhands, when performing the overhead press and the lifting exercises,will generally extend about the outer side portion of his respectiveknee and leg, thereby reducing the back strain encountered during thistype ofexercise.

As previously described a portion of the guide brackets 52 and the guideeyelet 102 is beveled or flared to reduce the possibility of the ropemeans 20 hanging, or catching on the guide eyelet 102, or the guidebrackets 52, during the operation of the exercising device 10.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the exercising device provides aversatile unit, whereby one may perform a variety of different exercisesby simply making minor adjustments in the exercising device 10. Theadjustable braking feature of the exercising device 10, combined withthe continuous rope means 20, permits the exercising device 10 to beused to the maximum advantage by persons having different heights,weights, ages and exercising requirements.

Changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts orelements of the various embodiments as disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by thefollowing claims.

Whatl claim is:

1. An exercising device comprising:

upper and lower pulley wheels;

framework means comprising upright members receiving said upper andlower pulley wheels in rotational affixture to support said pulleywheels in spaced-apart disposition, said framework means furthercomprising a platform supporting said upright members;

a continuous rope means extending around the pulley wheels to define anoperational path;

an adjustable brake means cooperating with one of the pulley wheels,whereby the force required to rotate the said one of the pulley wheelsis adjustable by varying the gripping force on the said one of thewheels; and

a guide means whereby the rope means is retained within the operationalpath, comprising;

a guide bracket encircling a portion of the upper pulley wheel and therope means;

a tubular-shaped guide eyelet encircling the rope means and disposedwith respect to the lower pulley wheel to guide the rope means intoproper engagement with the lower pulley wheel; and,

said adjustable brake means comprising a spring biased frictiondeveloping means disposed adjacent and off center of the said one of thepulley wheels in biased disposition to said one of the pulley wheels toretard relative movement between said one of the pulley wheels and saidrope means.

2. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein the lower pulley wheelincludes a groove around the outer periphery thereof, said rope meansbeing disposed generally in a portion of said groove.

3. The exercising device of claim 2, wherein the rope means has agenerally circular cross section having a cross-sectional diameter sizedto be approximately twice the depth of said groove, whereby a portion ofsaid rope means will extend beyond the outer periphery of the lowerpulley wheel, when in engagement therewith.

4. The exercising device of claim 2, wherein the groove around the lowerpulley wheel is defined further to include a frictional material bondedto the surface of said groove, thereby increasing the frictional contactbetween the rope means and the lower pulley wheel.

5. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein the guide means includes ashaft mounted near the lower pulley wheel having a guide rollerjournaled thereon, said guide roller is of a generally cylindrical shapehaving a grooved portion, sized to rollingly engage the rope means,extending around the circumference of said rope means and generallybetween the ends of said guide roller, said guide roller positioned toincrease the frictional contact between the rope means and the lowerpulley wheel and generally to retain said rope means firmly within saidgroove to keep the rope means from slipping.

6. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein the rope means isconstructed of flexible hose material.

7. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable brake meanscooperates with the lower pulley wheel to vary the force required torotate said lower pulley wheel,

8. The exercising device of claim 7, wherein the adjustable brake meansincludes,

an end plate disposed on each side of the lower pulley wheel;

a brake shoe means disposed on each side of the lower pulley wheel;

a brake pad means secured to each of said brake shoe means, disposed tofrictionally engage opposite sides of the lower pulley wheelrespectively;

a plurality of bolts connecting each of said brake shoe means to therespective end plate;

spacer means disposed about each bolt and each spacer means positioned,between each of said end plates and the respective brake shoe means; and

a threaded bolt means connecting said end plates, whereby the distancebetween each of said brake shoe means may be varied, thereby varying theengaging force between each of the brake pad means and the lower pulleywheel.

9. The adjustable brake means of claim 8, wherein the spacer means is aspring.

10. The exercising device of claim 9 wherein the grip means includes, apair of gripping members pivotally secured to each other, said handlemeans comprising two handles, each handle being secured to a separategripping member; and including a spring disposed generally between eachgripping member and attached on opposite ends to each respectivegripping member, thereby biasing the gripping members generally intoengagement with said rope means.

11. The exercising device of claim 1 characterized further to include agrip means removably attached to the rope means, having a pair of handlemeans attached to and extending generally perpendicular from said gripmeans.

1. An exercising device comprising: upper and lower pulley wheels;framework means comprising upright members receiving said upper andlower pulley wheels in rotational affixture to support said pulleywheels in spaced-apart disposition, said framework means furthercomprising a platform supporting said upright members; a continuous ropemeans extending around the pulley wheels to define an operational path;an adjustable brake means cooperating with one of the pulley wheels,whereby the force required to rotate the said one of the pulley wheelsis adjustable by varying the gripping force on the said one of thewheels; and a guide means whereby the rope means is retained within theoperational path, comprising; a guide bracket encircling a portion ofthe upper pulley wheel and the rope means; a tubular-shaped guide eyeletencircling the rope means and disposed with respect to the lower pulleywheel to guide the rope means into proper engagement with the lowerpulley wheel; and, said adjustable brake means comprising a springbiased friction developing means disposed adjacent and off center of thesaid one of the pulley wheels in biased disposition to said one of thepulley wheels to retard relative movement between said one of the pulleywheels and said rope means.
 2. The exercising device of claim 1, Whereinthe lower pulley wheel includes a groove around the outer peripherythereof, said rope means being disposed generally in a portion of saidgroove.
 3. The exercising device of claim 2, wherein the rope means hasa generally circular cross section having a cross-sectional diametersized to be approximately twice the depth of said groove, whereby aportion of said rope means will extend beyond the outer periphery of thelower pulley wheel, when in engagement therewith.
 4. The exercisingdevice of claim 2, wherein the groove around the lower pulley wheel isdefined further to include a frictional material bonded to the surfaceof said groove, thereby increasing the frictional contact between therope means and the lower pulley wheel.
 5. The exercising device of claim2 wherein the guide means includes a shaft mounted near the lower pulleywheel having a guide roller journaled thereon, said guide roller is of agenerally cylindrical shape having a grooved portion, sized to rollinglyengage the rope means, extending around the circumference of said ropemeans and generally between the ends of said guide roller, said guideroller positioned to increase the frictional contact between the ropemeans and the lower pulley wheel and generally to retain said rope meansfirmly within said groove to keep the rope means from slipping.
 6. Theexercising device of claim 1 wherein the rope means is constructed offlexible hose material.
 7. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein theadjustable brake means cooperates with the lower pulley wheel to varythe force required to rotate said lower pulley wheel.
 8. The exercisingdevice of claim 7, wherein the adjustable brake means includes, an endplate disposed on each side of the lower pulley wheel; a brake shoemeans disposed on each side of the lower pulley wheel; a brake pad meanssecured to each of said brake shoe means, disposed to frictionallyengage opposite sides of the lower pulley wheel respectively; aplurality of bolts connecting each of said brake shoe means to therespective end plate; spacer means disposed about each bolt and eachspacer means positioned, between each of said end plates and therespective brake shoe means; and a threaded bolt means connecting saidend plates, whereby the distance between each of said brake shoe meansmay be varied, thereby varying the engaging force between each of thebrake pad means and the lower pulley wheel.
 9. The adjustable brakemeans of claim 8, wherein the spacer means is a spring.
 10. Theexercising device of claim 9 wherein the grip means includes, a pair ofgripping members pivotally secured to each other, said handle meanscomprising two handles, each handle being secured to a separate grippingmember; and including a spring disposed generally between each grippingmember and attached on opposite ends to each respective gripping member,thereby biasing the gripping members generally into engagement with saidrope means.
 11. The exercising device of claim 1 characterized furtherto include a grip means removably attached to the rope means, having apair of handle means attached to and extending generally perpendicularfrom said grip means.